Wickaninnish Gallery

Step below some of the better craft galleries but still a step above the trinket outlets. Decent gift selection.

I come here every time I need to get a gift because the quality and service is impeccable. Nicky, the manager, is thorough and extremely helpful. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the products are the best I’ve come across. From art, to mugs, to blankets, and books (and everything in between). If your looking for quality, First Nations products, visit this store.

It’s mostly a jewelry store, however, there is an interesting selection that caters more to my mom’s style than it does me. I came here to get some mother’s day ideas. Good customer service and reasonable pricing.

Another nice retail store, from mostly jewellery accessories to clothes, frames, cups, bags and even slippers.
Most made locally here, hand crafted.
Apparently name of a chief, not a tribe, lady knowledgeable and friendly.

Though slightly underwhelmed by Granville Island, I was impressed with the Wickaninnish Gallery. Lots and lots of Native art, in the form of jewelry, clothing, wood, glass, silver and more. I picked up a gift for my niece or nephew. The salesperson was very helpful when I mentioned I was looking for a gift.
From the website I learned this is a Native — owned shop opened in 1987. In fact the owner is a relative of Chief Wickaninnish! They also work with artists and are able to assist customers with ordering custom made items. I also thought this was an interesting tidbit:
«The Wickaninnish Gallery is named after a powerful First Nations chief, Chief Wickaninnish of the Tla-​o-​qui-​aht People from Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island. The name Wickaninnish translates to „having no one in front of him in the canoe“. During the time of European contact, Chief Wickaninnish was a highly revered leader and was very influential in the fur trade.»
There is no shortage of NW Coast art in Vancouver, but this little gallery is affordable, Native — owned, and carries some nice pieces.
May you have no one in front of you in the canoe!

In the Net Loft mall on Granville Island, (across from an entrance to the food market) lives a gift shop that is a cut above the rest.
First Nations artwork reproduced and applied to hundreds of everyday items make this a great gift stop for tourists to the Island. I would definitely think of stopping in here to pick up some unusual items for our friends south of the border.
Okay so these aren’t «one of a kind» pieces as found elsewhere in the plethora of fine art galleries in and around the Island –that isn’t an Island ;-), but they’re certainly more affordable!